The Practical Tanya

Eli Gescheit

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Judaism
Updated Weekly

This weekly shiur is dedicated in honour of our dear friend Rabbi Yaakov Levitan (HaRav Yaakov ben Tzvi HaLevi HYD), who was taken from us at the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on 14 December 2025, 24 Kislev 5786. We explore the Chassidic work of the Tanya, by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, utilising The Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller. Available to purchase from all good Jewish bookstores and online

3 days ago

Chapter 10- The Tzadik

In this shiur on Perek Yud (Chapter 10) of Tanya, we explore what it really means to be a Tzadik, based on the explanation in Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller. We differentiate between a complete Tzadik and an incomplete Tzadik, examine how each relates to the animal soul and divine soul, and why even a Tzadik still has an animal soul. We discuss the many levels within “incomplete Tzadikim,” the radical inner transformation of the complete Tzadik, and his totally selfless avodah focused only on revealing Hashem’s presence in the world. The shiur concludes with a powerful story of the Baal Shem Tov and a seemingly simple Jew, illustrating hidden greatness and genuine mesirus nefesh. Follow along by downloading the PDF here- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tgcng4z4025xyialdrhgh/Chapter-10.pdf?rlkey=luyvb7tizh1knnm8jvzuwpnzi&dl=0 Or buy your own copy of The Practical Tanya from your local Jewish bookstore on online.

57 min
17 June

Chapter 9- The War Inside You

In this shiur we begin Chapter 9 of Tanya using The Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller. We explore the “small city” inside a Jew: the struggle between the animal soul in the left side of the heart and the divine soul in the brain and right side of the heart. We learn how these two “kings” fight to control our thoughts, speech and actions, and how hisbonenus (deep meditation) can generate both “love like flaming fire” and “pleasurable love” of Hashem. We also introduce the concepts of iskafya (subduing negativity) and ishapcha (transforming it into holiness), and conclude with the Zohar’s parable of the king, his son and the harlot—showing that the animal soul is ultimately a Divine test designed to bring us closer to Hashem. Download the chapter and follow along- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tgx6d1sapo3od3wyr04bq/Chapter-9.pdf?rlkey=pg0y4pqw4id6ik18sydiovchy&dl=0

42 min
17 June

Chapter 8- Three Impure Kelipos

In this Tanya shiur we conclude the first section of Tanya (chapters 1–8) and explore the deep spiritual mechanics behind what we eat, what we say, and what we study. Main themes: The three completely impure klipos and why certain experiences (like non‑kosher food and forbidden acts) can never be elevated, even with the best intentions.How kosher pleasures, when enjoyed just for indulgence, still leave a spiritual trace in the body that requires cleansing.The idea that our temptation to real aveiros comes from an external negative force (the Zohar’s “demons”), not from the core of the Jewish soul.After-life cleansing: chibut hakever, kaf hakela, and why different kinds of behavior need different kinds of spiritual rectification.The famous story of the Rebbe Maharash in Paris and the non‑kosher wine that “defiles the mind and heart.”Why even “stam shmoozing” (worthless talk) and, even more so, secular wisdom, impact the nefesh Elokis – and how intention can transform or contaminate.A Kabbalistic look at sheviras hakeilim (the shattering of the vessels) and why secular knowledge tends to pull the mind toward ego rather than G‑d-awareness.When and how secular study becomes holy – using it as a tool for parnassah in order to serve Hashem, or directly to support Torah and Klal Yisrael, as exemplified by the Rambam. 🎧 Takeaway: What we eat, how we speak, and what we fill our minds with are not neutral – they leave a real, lasting imprint on the soul. In the next shiur (chapter 9) we begin a new major section of Tanya: the inner war between the two souls – the Beinoni, the rasha, and the “small city” within every Jew. Download a copy of Chapter 8 to follow on- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/r4s75szoavytlsakw5t9w/Chapter-8.pdf?rlkey=hhc6ppm9sefx5lp5qevjxq9g4&dl=0

42 min
17 June

Chapter 7- Kelipas Nogah

Chapter 7 focuses on negative spiritual forces called "klipot" and specifically "klipat nogah" (bright klipah). The main teaching discussed how even permitted kosher activities can strengthen negative forces if not done with proper intention for serving G-d, while forbidden activities permanently bind energy to impure forces unless profound repentance transforms sins into merits. Follow along by downloading the PDF here- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ujxk21wwzbwtswknwl3sm/Chapter-7.pdf?rlkey=34uwhn021tgldei90ciubi0dy&dl=0 Or buy The Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller from your local Jewish bookstore or online.

40 min
17 June

Chapter 6- Composition of the Animal Soul

We learned about the animal soul (נפש הבהמית) – it has the same structure as the G‑dly soul (10 powers + 3 garments), but its energy comes from קליפה and סיטרא אחרא. There are no spiritually neutral actions: every thought, word, and deed either feeds G‑d consciousness or ego. Through bitul (surrender of ego), we can transform קליפת נוגה and even our “mundane” activities into kedushah and make space for Hashem in our lives. Follow along by downloading the PDF here- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6f5asu0p3685khz68jxf9/Chapter-6.pdf?rlkey=s4xm14upmx0iwotq8tw2rwkft&dl=0 Or buy your very own copy of The Practical Tanya at your local Jewish bookstore or online :)

53 min
17 June

Chapter 5- From Theory to Unity: How Torah Learning Bonds Us with Hashem

In this Tanya shiur, we learn Chapter 5, exploring why Torah study creates an even deeper bond with Hashem than mitzvah observance. We look at the Alter Rebbe’s explanation of how Torah is Hashem’s wisdom and will, and how, when a person learns Torah, the mind both grasps and is surrounded by divine wisdom. Torah becomes “food” and “garments” for the soul, uniting the person with Hashem in a way unlike any other form of avodah. Key themes in this class: Why Torah study is, in a certain sense, greater than mitzvosThe meaning of learning Torah lishmah – for its own sakeHow Torah acts as both food and clothing for the neshama, in this world and the nextThe unique power of verbalizing the words of Torah, not only learning with the mindThe ongoing relevance of Torah, even in cases and mitzvos that cannot be practically fulfilled today The shiur is dedicated to the memory of Yaakov Levitan HY”D, who was tragically murdered in the Bondi Beach terror attack. To follow the class, download the PDF here- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3ytaq8lx37b1wwm3z8iu2/Shiur-7-Chapter-5.pdf?rlkey=ubwru35q8qpfz2f9mkp7juhbb&dl=0 Or buy your very own copy of The Practical Tanya online or from your local Jewish bookstore.

48 min
17 June

Chapters 3-4- Garments of the Soul: Thought, Speech & Action in Tanya

In this shiur we complete Chapter 3 of Practical Tanya and explore the role of Daas (recognition) as the power that bonds the mind to an idea until it becomes real, personal, and emotionally alive. We then begin Chapter 4, which introduces the “garments of the soul” – thought, speech, and action – and explains how they express the Divine soul through Torah and mitzvos. Eli discusses how love fuels the 248 positive commandments, awe fuels the 365 prohibitions, and how every mitzvah is a real connection and “embrace” of Hashem, even through physical objects. The shiur also covers the famous analogies of 613 ropes, hugging the king through his robes, Torah as water, and concludes with the story of Reb Zev on becoming the “baal habayis” of your own thoughts. Follow by downloading the PDFs here- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/akpqgaxu1mledlafz4jup/Shiur-5-Chapters-2-3.pdf?rlkey=jw2l636fdczuqrr2o8lq4ewcn&dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kqxdn37ao488ole6lzfa6/Shiur-6-Chapters-3-4.pdf?rlkey=b8ejouou5nb29bprb6djwwcll&dl=0

1hr 3min
10 June

Chapters 2–3: The Divine Soul, Spiritual Leadership, and the Birth of Emotions

In this shiur we conclude Chapter 2 and begin Chapter 3 in Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller, exploring the divine soul as a literal “piece of G-d,” the four spiritual worlds, and how the souls of leaders (tzaddikim) nourish the souls of the wider community. We discuss the “garment” of the soul influenced by parents at conception, the power of a lofty soul to transform even a lowly environment (Avraham Avinu), and introduce the inner structure of the soul through Chabad’s core faculties of Chochma, Binah, and Daas. We share stories from Chazal and Chassidus that illustrate Jewish unity, spiritual leadership, and the soul’s deep longing to reconnect with Hashem. Download the PDF and follow along using this link- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kwzm425f4i5t3divtk9hx/Shiur-5-Chapters-2-3.pdf?rlkey=wia61dy9bz0zep3nu8vqtsjpe&dl=0 Purchase The Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller from your local Jewish bookstore.

1hr 1min
10 June

Discovering the G-dly Soul

In this shiur, dedicated to the memory of Yaakov Levitan (Yaakov ben Tzvi HaLevi HYD), we conclude Chapter 1 and begin Chapter 2 using Rabbi Chaim Miller’s Practical Tanya. We explore the four spiritual elements of the animal soul (fire, water, air, earth) and their negative traits—anger, arrogance, desire, jealousy, frivolity, laziness and depression—as well as their positive expressions. We introduce the concept of klipas nogah and touch on its sensitive national implications as presented in classic Kabbalistic sources. From there we enter Perek Beis, learning about the Nefesh Elokis as a “chelek Eloka mima’al mamash” (a literal piece of Hashem), the child–parent and “breath” metaphors for the soul’s origin, and the hierarchy of souls across generations. Through the analogy of one drop producing both brain and toenails, we see how every Jewish soul— from great tzaddikim to simple folk—shares the same divine root, illustrated powerfully by contemporary mesirus nefesh stories like that of Chaya Dadon at the Bondi Beach attack.

59 min
10 June

Chapter 1- Tzaddik, Rasha, and Beinoni: Defining the Inner You

In this shiur, we begin the third instalment of the Tanya Shiur series and opens Chapter 1 (Perek Aleph) of Tanya, following the structure of Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller. The shiur is dedicated l’ilui nishmas Yaakov Levitan and in memory of the 15 other holy souls tragically taken, connecting their elevation with our learning. We explore the “map of Tanya”, focusing on how chapters 1–8 share a common theme: the spiritual composition of the Jew before outlining methods in avodas Hashem. Rabbi Eli introduces the classic Talmudic passage about the oath the soul takes before birth, and the five spiritual categories of person: Tzaddik v’tov lo, Tzaddik v’ra lo, Rasha v’tov lo, Rasha v’ra lo, and Beinoni. A major part of the shiur is devoted to clarifying what these terms really mean. We see that the definitions of Tzaddik, Rasha, and Beinoni in Tanya are inner states, not simply a balance-sheet of mitzvos vs. aveiros. This leads to core questions: How can one “consider themselves like a rasha” without falling into sadness or apathy?Why could a great sage like Rabba truthfully call himself a Beinoni?What is the genuine difference between a Tzaddik and a Beinoni if both avoid sin? From there, Rabbi Eli introduces one of Tanya’s most central doctrines: the two souls within every Jew – the animal soul (nefesh habehamis) rooted in kelipah and sitra achra, and the divine soul (nefesh Elokis). We learn how the animal soul is embodied in the blood, drives our basic temperaments and urges, and how klipah acts like a peel or shell that covers the inner truth and pulls us toward ego and sensory focus. The shiur closes with practical lessons: Tanya is validating our inner struggles rather than denying them, showing that the Beinoni’s internal battle is normal and central to our avodah. This episode lays the foundation for understanding our inner world and prepares us for the deeper answers that will unfold in the coming chapters.

54 min
10 June

Introduction to Tanya- Part 2

This class continues our Tanya series with the Alter Rebbe’s profound introduction to Likkutei Amarim. We explore why he felt compelled to turn years of private guidance and yechidus into a written “spiritual guidebook,” and how Tanya parallels the Rambam’s Mishneh Torah in offering clear, organised direction—this time for the inner life and avodas Hashem of every Jew. Drawing on The Practical Tanya (Rabbi Chaim Miller), we discuss whether a sefer can truly replace a personal Rebbe, the unique connection between Torah and the 600,000 root souls of Israel, and why personal mentorship and local teachers are still essential. This shiur lays the foundation for understanding Tanya as a timeless, practical roadmap for the struggles, questions, and growth of the “beinoni.”

1hr 6min
22 Feb

Introduction to Tanya- Part 1

Join Eli Gescheit from Sydney Australia for a warm, down-to-earth journey through Tanya, based primarily on “Practical Tanya” by Rabbi Chaim Miller and classic Chassidic sources. Rooted in Chabad Chassidus, the shiur is: • Dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Yaakov Levitan who was taken from us at the Bondi Beach attack on 14 December 2025, 24 Kislev 5786 (Yaakov ben Tzvi HaLevi HYD) We explore: • What it means to be a “beinoni” – an in-betweener • The anatomy of the soul and the soul–body conflict • How Tanya offers a “long but short path” to authentic Avodas Hashem • How these teachings speak directly to emotional and psychological life in 2026 With references to figures like the Alter Rebbe, the Maggid of Mezritch, the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli, Rabbi Yehuda Leib of Anipoli, Rabbi Chaim Miller, Rabbi Shais Taub, and others, this series aims to make Tanya clear, practical, and deeply personal—for anyone, at any level. Episode 1: Why Tanya? Background, Stories, and Approvals In this opening shiur, Eli sets the stage for the entire Tanya journey. In this episode: • Dedication of the shiur to Yaakov ben Tzvi HaLevi and Yehuda Leibel ben Manya, who requires a refuah shleima • Eli shares his personal journey with Tanya, from teenage years through yeshiva, learning with Uri Kaploun, finishing Tanya at the Ohel on Yud Tes Kislev (2003), and teaching Tanya to High School kids at Moriah College • Introduction to “Practical Tanya” (Rabbi Chaim Miller) and why it’s such a helpful guide • A look at Rabbi Shais Taub’s “Map of Tanya”, breaking down the 53 chapters into clear thematic sections • A powerful story about Tanya in Yeshiva University, Rabbi Beryl Shemtov, and Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s enthusiastic support for a Tanya shiur there • Historical background on how Tanya was first published, the approbations (haskamos) of Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli and Rabbi Yehuda Leib of Anipoli, and the concerns about corrupted handwritten copies and printing Kabbalistic works • The idea of Tanya as a “long but short path”: not a quick fix, but a real, practical guide to authentic service of Hashem for normal people who aren’t tzaddikim and aren’t resha’im This episode mostly covers the introductions, approbations, and historical context—laying a foundation before diving into the Alter Rebbe’s own introduction and the main chapters in the coming shiurim.

56 min

12 Episodes

This weekly shiur is dedicated in honour of our dear friend Rabbi Yaakov Levitan (HaRav Yaakov ben Tzvi HaLevi HYD), who was taken from us at the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on 14 December 2025, 24 Kislev 5786. We explore the Chassidic work of the Tanya, by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, utilising The Practical Tanya by Rabbi Chaim Miller. Available to purchase from all good Jewish bookstores and online

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Eli Gescheit
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12